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One Family Christmas

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A big family. A whole lot of secrets. A Christmas to remember…

This year, Lottie is hosting one last big family Christmas at the home she grew up in – just like her Nana would have wanted.

But when her relatives descend on the old manor house, Lottie gets more than she bargained for. Every family has its secrets, but in this family, everybody has one!

So, between cooking a Christmas dinner, keeping tensions at bay and a stray dog out of mischief, she has plenty on her plate (and not just misshapen sausage rolls and a frozen turkey). And then her first love shows up – nine years after he walked out of her life.

Can Lottie make their last family Christmas one to remember… for the right reasons?

A festive treat to curl up with this Christmas, perfect for fans of Milly Johnson and Trisha Ashley.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2020

380 people are currently reading
1066 people want to read

About the author

Bella Osborne

58 books554 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 287 reviews
Profile Image for Berit☀️✨ .
2,095 reviews15.7k followers
October 22, 2020
A hilarious ho ho ho holiday read. This was such an entertaining and festive story filled with family, humor, and heart. Lottie is determined to have one last big family Christmas after the sudden death of her beloved Nana. Her somewhat dysfunctional family is less than thrilled about this but they all unenthusiasticly oblige. But even before the first family member arrives things start to go sideways. Lottie’s old flame shows up unexpectedly and she has somehow acquired an extra four-legged houseguest. This book made me laugh, smile, and shed a small tear. This family was so messy it was so authentic and real spending time with them. Made my family look somewhat normal. The bulk of the story is told from the perspective of Lottie who has such a big heart and just wants the family to have a great Christmas. We also get a bit of Emily‘s perspective who is new to the family this is her first Christmas with them, was fun seeing it all from an outsider’s perspective. Most Christmas books are all shiny and bright with that big bow on top this book was more like that gift bag you found crammed in the back of the closet. The gift is just as good it’s just a little more Messi and a little more real. If you’re looking for a Christmas read that Will make you laugh so much your belly will shake like a bowl full of jelly, this is the perfect book!

This book in emojis 🐱 🎄 🐶 🍷 🐭 ❄️ 💍 🧣 🔋

*** Big thank you to Avon for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***
Profile Image for Sarah.
1,617 reviews178 followers
October 22, 2020
It occurred to me, whilst reading this book, that there’s a significant chance we won’t be able to experience the traditional family Christmas we are all used to. In other words, the Christmas that Lottie is trying to share with her family. Consequently, whilst this was a lovely, festive read, I also found it quite poignant and encouraged me to reflect on what I wanted from Christmas 2020.

I was pleased to be able to read Osborne’s festive treat and this book certainly did not disappoint. The writer has encapsulated everything we have come to associate with this festive time of year, from family and family bickering, to the stresses of The Big Dinner, and even unexpected guests. I guess what I am trying to say is that all readers will recognise elements of their own past Christmases in this novel, making it all the more enjoyable.

This book was a bit of an emotional rollarcoaster as well. It was not all about the love and comfort you expect from this time of year. The loss of Lottie’s Nana was really very touching and it reminded me of the importance of close family relationships. Everything that Lottie is trying to achieve by recreating Nana’s Christmas was admirable and courageous, especially in the face of grief and mourning. However, Osborne creates the perfect balance of emotions by adding drama and comedy along the way. On reflection, I imagine this range of feelings is what many can encounter at Christmas time; it isn’t always the squeaky, perfect time of year that the media would have us to believe.

I loved how this story was so warm and inviting. The cast of characters is unique and they all added their own identity to the plot development. Lottie’s family is diverse and broad and, despite this, I felt like I was part of their Christmas celebrations. Indeed, Osborne provides plenty of detail that it felt like you knew each character personally, without this detail distracting you from the main plot.

With Christmas hanging in the balance of an invisible virus and the deciding politicians, this was the pick-me-up that should be prescribed to all. I enjoyed this book so much that it was a pleasant distraction from the doom and gloom all around, that doesn’t seem to want to go away any time soon. I felt invested in Zach and Emily’s secrets; I felt emotional towards Lottie and her uncertain future; and I wanted there to be reconciliation between her and Joe. All in all, I wanted the Christmas that Osborne portrays.

If there is one festive read you choose this year, then this book should definitely not go unnoticed. Although I haven’t read many of Osborne’s books, I am certainly a fan and this Christmas book was heart-warming from head to toe.

With thanks to Avon books, NetGalley and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Jan.
252 reviews25 followers
December 22, 2022
As per her dearly departed Nana's wishes, Lottie wants the last family Christmas at Henbourne Manor to be perfect, for the manor is to be sold. What Lottie gets are the trials and tribulations associated with this intimate gathering. Filled with the standard fare, there are a few secrets, miscommunication, and an abundance of missed opportunities to add to the disarray. To throw yet another wrench in her plans along comes a man from her past, and we all know what that means. Lottie was likable as were most of the family members and supporting cast. This was nothing out of the ordinary but still, it was a nice easy holiday read. Despite all the turmoil, and family drama let's just say everyone has a Merry Christmas after all.
1,720 reviews110 followers
October 3, 2020
What a wonderful festive book, I loved it, the warmth the panic over defrosting the turkey, ( who hasn’t) and the excitement of giving presents to all the family. Watching people open presents is my favourite part of the day. This book gave me everything I hoped for and more. I just couldn’t get enough of it. I love Bella Osbourne’s books they are always so sweet to read nd always have a lovely ending.
Profile Image for Rachel Gilbey.
3,324 reviews571 followers
October 1, 2020
What a fabulous story! So amusing, and I think everyone will be able to recognise either some of the situations that occur, or the family members from their own Christmases.

At times this reads like a comedy of disasters, it feels like anything you don't want happening at Christmas, in fact happens for Lottie's family.

There are year old secrets to be uncovered, treasure to be discovered, a proposal... well if they ever work out where the ring is, there is a porn star dating a family member, two adorable animals Duchess the cat, and Dave the dog.

There is an old flame back in the village, a pregnancy test, and a large amount of food which Lottie isn't sure how to cook, there are unexpected vegans, and well that hasn't even touched the surface of the brilliance of this family and their ability to amuse me!

Now I'm not saying the specifics of how any of that fit in, but the cast of characters at this family Christmas include a whole host of vastly different and highly entertaining people.

I think you may be able to tell I really loved this book, it is so refreshing to see a Christmas that isn't picture perfect, and is in fact far more realistic., I loved the reasonings why two people both really needed some batteries amongst many other highlights of the book!

There is just so much going on, there isn't a dull moment, and the whole book takes place pretty much over Christmas Eve until 27th December. So plenty of action, laughs and just a whole feel good book that I adored reading.

Thank you to Avon and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Profile Image for Finitha Jose.
316 reviews47 followers
October 22, 2020
I am speechless! It is a known fact that miracle hands are needed to manage a festive family gathering, but to manage Collins family . . . we need something more. Talk about a crazy family, and adorable in their own ways too.
To honour her grandmother's last wish, Lottie is hosting the last Christmas in the manor. Her career and love life is in shambles and she is going to be homeless soon, but she can handle one Christmas right? How naive she was!!!
On the one side, there are the pets, Duchess the cat and Dave the dog, turning everything topsy turvy (I was planning to buy a puppy for Christmas, now I am not so sure). Then the family secrets which decide this the perfect timing to come out of the closet; and yes, Lottie's old flame is back too. What is not to go wrong?
Did I scare you enough? Aren't you curious how Lottie survive this messiness? Go ahead then. This hilarious, unforgettable family story will definitely bring back memories of bygone Christmases and anticipation for more.
Profile Image for Sue Moorcroft.
Author 65 books1,005 followers
October 15, 2020
A lovely, absorbing read about Lottie's family Christmas and how she was the powerhouse behind getting it all going - then (I, at least) began to wonder whether her family was worth the effort.

The book has everything - interesting storyline, constantly evolving secrets and a blast-from-the past love, along with the kind of family members we all love and love to hate.

Bella's become a must-read author for me.
Profile Image for Lucy C.
368 reviews56 followers
August 29, 2020
What a delight this wonderful Christmas read is.

We start off meeting Lottie wanting one big family Christmas for her beloved Nana Rose even though Lottie cannot cook to save her life.

Taking us through the few weeks upto the big day and new year you have a dog named Dave and a lovely cat Dutchess and a mad family to keep you entertained.

Full of humor, warmth and love this is one book you do not want to miss out on.
Profile Image for Lisa (A Life Bound By Books).
1,126 reviews916 followers
December 29, 2020
4 stars. Loads of family dynamics with a huge cast of characters all seen through the eyes of the female lead, who only wants to give her family a Christmas to remember.

There’s something for everyone in this holiday tale. Quirky family members ranging the whole spectrum!

Mom dating a younger guy and forever lying about her age. Believes she should be catered to.

Aunt and uncle who think they’re better than anyone else, especially the aunt.

Older uncle who is a huge support to his niece when they all arrive for Christmas.

A brother who brings a girlfriend he’s been dating for awhile to meet the family for the first time.

A Christmas gift mishap

A first love who’s returned.

And a cat and dog who create havoc at every turn.

And so, so much more.

Really enjoyed it. Highly recommend!
Profile Image for Christopher.
268 reviews327 followers
Read
March 15, 2024
And I thought my holidays were hectic.

After the recent death of her Nana, Lottie wants nothing more than a final Christmas with her entire family before their manor home is sold. Why wouldn't it be easy? Well, Lottie's old boyfriend, Joe, suddenly turns up on her doorstep after nine years ... and all the guests harbor major secrets that are about to blow ... Then there's the frozen turkey, the burnt turkey, the burnt tablecloth, the abandoned dog, the temperamental cat, the surprise vegan, the soggy pregnancy test, the teen with the metal detector, a surprise proposal, the Meghan Markle lookalike, a few sordid accusations, more ruined food, lots of drinks, and a load of silly Christmas-themed games.

One Family Christmas is more stuffed than a directionally challenged turkey in a Build-a-Bear Workshop staffed entirely by individuals with poor vision. Author Bella Osborne appears to revel in chaos, and every turn of the page seems to reveal some new calamity. Just when you think no more holiday food or decorations could possibly be ruined, Osborne finds a way. Fortunately, her writing is also riotously funny, so this breakneck holiday frenzy mostly stays lighthearted without ever becoming exhausting.

This is especially remarkable because, otherwise, One Family Christmas would be quite heavy. Lottie, looking a bit lost after the death of her Nana, struggles to pull the family together. While her brother, mother, their significant others, and a hodgepodge of other family members squabble over room assignments, dietary restrictions, and various lies and deceits, Lottie trots around with a festive air that borders on desperation. By the time Joe appears, pulling up old feelings between the pair that Osborne approaches with a complicated sweetness, it feels as though she's only moments away from canceling the holiday, dragging the Christmas tree out into the front yard, and burning it.

And that's really where Osborne has landed on magic with this book. Lottie and the gang are often immensely frustrated with each other, and it feels as though nothing can possibly go right. Yet that's frequently both the joy and frustration of family. Brimming just below the surface of all this tension is genuine love, and Osborne finds a way to put it on full display even amidst one of the most tumultuous holidays imaginable. All of their shenanigans certainly made me think rosier of my own family.

It's wild. It's funny. It's packed full of heart. One Family Christmas is a bit like coming home for the holidays.

Note: I received a free ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

Review also posted at pluckedfromthestacks.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Catherine Craig (Angelic Light).
1,136 reviews20 followers
December 20, 2022
I love Bella's books! This one was a lovely Christmas read, which was full of family, festivities, sadness, happiness, joy, ups and downs and funny delights. It brought me happiness on a cold winter's day.

Lottie is the main character in this story, and it starts off with her and her beloved Nana Rose baking together. Sadly, Nana Rose passes away, and Lottie has to arrange Christmas for all the family without her. Lottie is a lovely character and I really liked her. She had a lot to do to make Christmas special for all of her family members, while nursing a broken heart.

I loved the setting of the story, which was in the Cotswolds in England. I could imagine what it looked like covered in snow, with Christmas decorations and Christmas trees twinkling and sparkling all around.

This is a beautiful story, which I recommend highly.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Judy Christiana.
995 reviews14 followers
September 5, 2020
If you ever had a family gathering and thought, “Oh my gosh I’ll never get through this in one piece”, you need to read this book because it will definitely top any of your family celebrations (hopefully yours are much calmer than the Collins family gatherings).

I have recently started reading Bella Osborne’s books and I love her writing style, her character development, and her plots. I enjoy stories that encompass all age groups. I also adore quirky, unique characters. In this book, Lottie tries so hard to organize a wonderful Christmas celebration for her family and she is definitely not up to the goal of doing it perfectly. Her attempts at cooking and planning fun activities sometimes falls short, but the results are very humorous, sometimes heartbreaking but always full of love for her family.

As I was reading, I kept thinking “Oh No!”, as one thing after the other did not turn out as planned. Then I would find myself laughing out loud over the many odd situations that happened.

I read this book during the Covid19 pandemic, and it was such an amazing stress relief! I was so engrossed in this book and wanted to do nothing but read since it gave me such a wonderful escape and so much joy and hope for the future. If Lottie and her family could get through this Christmas there is hope for all of us!

I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for giving me the pleasure of reading the advanced reader copy of this fantastic book. My review is my own opinion not influenced by receiving the ARC.
Profile Image for Natalie Kelly.
210 reviews
January 12, 2021
*3.5
Lotty has always loved a big Collins family Christmas hosted by her grandma at the old manor house. This year is a little different as her grandma is no longer with them. Lotty has convinced her family to gather for one more family Christmas before the house is sold. However, like many families they have secrets a plenty and as they gather chaos ensues.

This was such a fun book. It reminded me of one of my family chaotic Christmas’s but elevated by 10. This story had a large very different cast of character and I loved them. They all had such a good dynamic, with them all complimenting each other so well. We have Lotty who was feeling the pressure of hosting Christmas. We also have her brother Zac and girlfriend Emily, both of which are acting oddly. Then there’s Lotty and Zac’s mum Angie and her toy boy Scott who, made me laugh of several occasions. Lotty’s uncle Dan and his family get a shock on Christmas day that completely upends their family. Also thrown into the mix was Lotty’s ex Ben who has returned from America after leaving her years ago. Of course, Christmas is never complete without some animals, children and unexpected guests. It was a big list of ingredients that could have become muddled and had too much going on, but it didn’t. It was really well balanced and although it was a little crazy it never felt over the top or unconvincing.

I really enjoy that there was lots of humour and funny moments included. They balanced out what could have been quite a sad and emotional book because of the family losing the head of the family. As mentioned Lotty’s mum Angie and her younger boyfriend gave us many laughs as does Lotty’s niece Jessie. The addition of rather naughty dog also added lots of funny moments too. This book offered such cosy festive vibes. It has so many of my favourite element I like in books, especially at Christmas. Its set over the three days of Christmas, it involves a big family coming together and it follows the weird and wonderful things that only seem to happen when families gather together. One of my favourite parts was watching the family’s annual traditions. From the star present to the village duck race to the stocking game, they were all so much fun. I could just so easily envision this large family spread over this big house decorated for Christmas. It made me feel so warm, cosy and festive.

Overall, this book was a lot of fun. It was funny but also quite sad at times. The cast of characters were great as were their antics and secrets playing out. I loved Lotty, our main character and her desire to keep her grandmothers Christmas and traditions alive. It would be perfect to read over the Christmas period especially If your family, like mine are a tad crazy. It’s nice to know other families (even fictional ones) are the same.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Avon Books UK for providing me with a copy of this book for review.
Profile Image for Margaret Galbraith.
456 reviews10 followers
December 10, 2021
I really enjoyed the beginning of this one but then for me anyway, became too predictable. There’s the usual Christmas dramas but nothing really to hold my interest and I did skim the last few chapters but all seemed to end well for everyone involved. I guess that’s what family Christmases are like but I was lucky in my earlier years as a child. We had really good old fashioned magical times. Times I will cherish forever.
Profile Image for ReadingGirlReviews (Gina).
359 reviews23 followers
October 15, 2020
Ok, who let Bella Osborne sit in on our family Christmas gatherings? I don’t even remember her being there. Seriously, I swear she had to written this book as a compilation of all our holiday get togethers. I bet, when you read this one, you’ll feel the same way about your family too, and you’ll go looking through all the holiday photos to see if Bella is hiding somewhere taking notes.

So this wonderful read is about Lottie trying to gather her family together for one last Christmas at Manor House before it is sold after Nana Rose’s recent passing. Of course with all the family coming, it doesn’t help that Lottie really cant cook. With a crazy diverse group of people, a stray dog, an ex-boyfriend, a un-defrosted turkey and tons of family secrets, this holiday gathering brings a ton more to the table than just a family reunion.

Tons of quirky characters, a multitude of unexpected arrivals, heaps of blunders, and gobs of surprises, Bella Osborne has written one of the most amusing and playful Christmas books that I have read so far. It’s pretty much everyones family gathering smushed into one big story. It’s heartfelt, entertaining, mysterious and rewarding all in one read. I absolutely loved this book. If you are thinking covid is going to affect your holiday gathering this year, don’t fret. Stay safe, social distance, minimize this year and get all your family gathering thrills just by reading this book. You won’t have to clean up afterwards either! (BONUS)

Thank you so much to Bella Osborne, Rachel Gilbey from Rachels Random Resources and Avon Books for my gifted copy of this book for my honest and unbiased opinion.

4.5 stars. Goodreads when will you let us give half stars??
Profile Image for bookloversclub2023.
188 reviews4 followers
December 9, 2025
What a delightful festive feast! I loved this book so so much. The writing made it so easy to read and follow. It was Christmas wrapped in a bow and put under the tree- sheer festive madness! I think everyone thinks they have a crazy family during Christmas but surely none are like Lotties!

I loved that the book actually took you through Christmas Day too as some books just skip over the actual day. The characters were wonderful and quirky and I was enamoured by all of them!

Perfect writing by Bella as always, a perfect Christmas treat. I’m ready for Christmas Day now to see what chaos my own family can cause- hopefully nothing like Lotties!
Profile Image for Lisa Whittaker.
389 reviews8 followers
January 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and the length of time it took me to read it is no reflection on the book whatsoever, just down to a serious lack of reading time.

Loved Lottie. She wants one last Christmas in her recently departed Nana’s Manor House with her family. There is so much drama but it did have me laughing out loud at times, especially at Dave the dogs antics and a cat named Duchess, who really did live up to her name.

Lots of likeable characters and despite the dramas and arguments amongst the family, there was a whole lot of love too.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ from me.
Profile Image for Kate.
363 reviews2 followers
December 7, 2020
3.5⭐

My first festive read of 2020 and it was a decent one. The characters were great, the narrative was fun and it all centred around the hectic time that is Christmas which was lovely. The reason why stars have been bumped is because there were storylines that I personally didn't feel were needed. The ending was ok, not great.
Profile Image for Pamela Boyle.
80 reviews12 followers
November 14, 2021
Absolutely loved this book finished it in 3 days loved the happy ending
Profile Image for M.W. Arnold.
Author 8 books123 followers
October 3, 2020
I don't care it's only September, I'm now getting into a Christmas mood. Why? I've just finished this book. Over the last few years, I've become something of a Christmas Romance lover and this one is up there with the best I've read in a long while.

We've mad dogs, cats being (well) cats, enough family arguments and conflicts to fill two or three other books, and an amount of food that would have sunk the Titanic! There are puns that wouldn't be amiss in a Carry On movie!

Buy and read this now - but first don't forget to put the sprouts on!
Profile Image for Mrs J.
301 reviews15 followers
October 28, 2020
After the sad loss of her nana, Lottie hosts one last family Christmas in nana’s home before it is sold off. The story mostly covers Christmas Day and Boxing Day, reliving traditions within the family, along with a whole host of unexpected guests. Although the loss of nana is clearly very sad, this book is beautiful, upbeat and a riotous festive read.

I loved reading about the baking that Lottie did, with and without Nana. These old family recipes are something to treasure. I have my own nan’s recipe for stuffing and Christmas pudding and fondly remember her making them for each family member. And just like in this story she lined the ceramic bowls with parchment and tinfoil and tied it with string. This stirred up some very fond memories for me and I always get a bit misty-eyed at Christmas time missing my own nan.

There are so many festivities in this story that will resonate with most readers – making homemade Christmas cake, sausage rolls, and mince pies. And of course, the wonderful traditions like decorating the tree together remembering stories behind special Christmas baubles.

One Family Christmas is full of great characters and lots of slapstick humour, especially relating to Lottie’s mum, Duchess the cat, and Dave the dog. Add in some drama, a couple of love affairs, a moving and heartwarming ending, and it all makes for the perfect Christmas read. I think this has been my favourite Christmas read of 2020 so far and I really hope there will be more books featuring this cast.

(published October 2020 Avon Books)
Profile Image for Nikki.
6 reviews
November 24, 2020
Loved this book, full of Christmas chaos and laughs. Couldn't put it down from start to finish.
Profile Image for Nicola Clough.
879 reviews42 followers
November 4, 2020
My word this book was outstanding such a brilliant read and such a great read I didn’t want it to end. Full of families and secrets with romance and upsets and so heartwarming. Perfect book to curl up and enjoy at Christmas.
Lottie lives in the manor where her nana has lived but sadly she passed away and she wants to have one last big family Christmas together before the manor is sold. It’s what her nana would have wanted but Lottie isn’t a great cook so will she manage ok. The whole family descend on the house and the family is full of secrets and every family member has one. She’s trying to keep everyone happy and cook and even the dog is up to mischief and what will happen when her first love shoes up how will she cope as been nine years since he walked out on her. She wants to make this Christmas one to remember will she manage it for the right reasons and will everyone be happy or not and can they enjoy the last Christmas at the manor.
Perfect Christmas read.
Profile Image for Lorna Holland.
Author 1 book56 followers
January 21, 2022
Full review now up on the blog: https://www.thewritinggreyhound.co.uk...

Whether we like it or not, Christmas is a time for family. Yet as Lottie quickly finds out in One Family Christmas, families can certainly be more than just a handful!

The majority of this charming story is set over just a few days during the Christmas period. This doesn't mean it's a short book; instead, the author really delves into what makes a family tick. Arguments, excitement, and drama galore are present throughout, with each day given the freedom to play out virtually from start to finish.

The family engage in all the classic, much-loved Christmas activities together. Decorating the house, putting up the tree, carol singing, present-giving, and enjoying plenty of festive food and drink! At its core, this is a beautiful story about a family enjoying one last Christmas together in their picture-perfect family home. In equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and unexpectedly emotional, the book effortlessly captures the true spirit of the season.

Of course, there's also plenty of romance to distract from the kitchen disasters and confrontational family members. Lottie's first love waltzes back into her life by surprise, but before long, it feels almost as though he never left. Some scars run deep though - will Lottie finally get her happily ever after this Christmas?

It's so easy to imagine yourself as one of the family, experiencing the highs and lows right alongside this quirky cast of characters. Despite the mess, the noise, and the quarrels, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a family Christmas!

One Family Christmas is a highly enjoyable read to curl up with this festive season.
Profile Image for Laura .
1,008 reviews25 followers
November 2, 2020
After Lottie and her boyfriend broke up, she moved back to Nana's house. This is her favorite place to be, and it holds many memories. For Lottie, Nana is home, Nana is love, Nana is precious memories. Christmas is fast approaching, and both Lottie and Nana want this Christmas to be one filled with memories. Nana is hiding a secret though, and that secret is revealed right at the holiday. Nana isn't the only one hiding a secret though, and Nana writes each person a Christmas card to 1) share her secret, and 2) encourage them to.

I did enjoy this book. There were comical moments, there were emotional moments, and there was family drama. One Family Christmas was about a family reconnecting, and realizing that they are not ready to give up their Christmas tradition (even when they originally felt like they should).

*I was provided an ARC of this book by the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a review.
Profile Image for Karschtl.
2,256 reviews61 followers
December 12, 2020
This was my fifth book by Bella Osborne (out of the seven she wrote so far), and while I hugely enjoyed all the other ones I found this rather disappointing. Maybe because my expectations were a bit higher than with other authors. But the story really wasn't that special.

It features stereotypical characters in an unoriginal plot, interspersed with some slapstick-like interactions. All the issues, problems or secrets were only touched in passing. Some characters, like Rhys, I didn't even get to know really.
At least I liked the main character Lottie, and also wanted to find out if Zach would finally succeed with his surprise for Emily. This kept me going until the end.

Knowing how well Osborne can write, always showing individuality when it comes to her characters and their stories, I do hope this was just a slip and in her next book she is back in top form.
Profile Image for Agi.
1,677 reviews105 followers
November 25, 2020
Lottie’s beloved grandmother dies suddenly shortly before Christmas. Lottie is devastated – her Nana raised her up as her mother was rather busy looking after „The One“ – but she’s also determined to spend the last Christmas in Rose’s house before it’s sold, together with her whole family, just like they always did before Rose’s death. The family is rather reluctant but oh, well, eventually they oblige. Lottie is excited – the fact that she’s supposed to organise everything by herself and that she can’t cook won’t spoil her enthusiasm, oh no. However, even before the first family member arrives, things start to go sideways, and it’s only the beginning of Christmas full of secrets, mishaps and other disasters.

This was a story filled with disasters and, according to Murphy’s law, if something wrong is going to happen, it has happened during Lottie’s Christmas, because there are not only secrets being uncovered, and what secrets, let me tell you, but there is also a proposal, a birth, a pregnancy test, a porno star, an ex – girlfriend and many, disappearing Christmas presents, dogs and cats under one roof, but also the overwhelming feeling of joy and love and hope, and plenty of food, even if Lottie has no idea how to cook.

There are many characters in this story because Lottie’s family is huge and there is also a variety of background characters but this time I didn’t have any problems with recognising who is who and who belongs to whom. They were brilliantly written and so sharp, unique and distinctive, it was a real joy to get to know this colourful and lively cast of characters. Lottie’s family is so diverse, just like any family really, and after initial disbelief, because I thought that everything is going to run smoothly and there won’t be any problems, and I couldn’t believe how bonkers they are – positively bonkers - I started to feel so comfortable with them and their shenanigans and brilliant one – liners. They were a bit dramatic, but it was hilarious to see, and also so very entertaining.
The story is mainly told from Lottie’s point of view but her chapters intertwine with those told by Emily, the newcomer to the family, and it was even better, to see her fresh, objective and absolutely honest perspective and disbelief.

There is a lot happening in this story although sometimes I had a feeling that it starts to repeat itself and drag a bit but those were just a few moments. The characters don’t have time for a flat moment because there is plenty of action. So while there were moments that the novel a) dragged a bit and b) felt a little too overdone and over the top, I still loved every minute of it and think it was one of the loveliest, funniest Christmas books I have ever read, and probably Bella Osborne’s best yet. It was amusing, and well, relatable too, I think each of us will be able to recognise some of the situations, or Lottie’s family members, from their own Christmases, right?

„One Family Christmas“ was a festive, entertaining story about family relationships - there might be misunderstandings and problems between the family members but in the end the book shows that keeping together is what it is about. It was filled with humour and full of heart and the feel – good factor. But it was not only laugh – out – loud comedy of errors, there was much more depth to it which made the book even more beautiful – the loss of Lottie’s Nana was even more overwhelming and heart – breaking because of the festive times and Lottie trying to recreate the Christmas for her family just like her Nana would do it was truly touching, and it only showed how important family is, no matter how imperfect the family members are. So really, the balance between poignant and fun was truly brilliant and perfect. It was filled with a whole range of feelings and emotions, it was warm and inviting, a truly brilliant read for a winter evening. Highly recommended!

Copy provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.
Profile Image for Karen Kingston.
964 reviews17 followers
October 1, 2020
I only discovered Bella Osborne’s books this year, when I read Meet Me At Pebble Beach (which I heartily recommend). So I was pleased to be given an early opportunity to read and review her new festive novel.

The opening chapters are actually quite sad, as Lottie and her family say goodbye to Nana Rose. Lottie manages to persuade everyone to stay at the Manor House, for one last Christmas, before it is sold and the proceeds split between the family.

Lottie’s family are an eclectic mix, elderly Great Uncle Bernard and his carer, Lottie’s widowed brother, his young daughter Jessica and ‘new’ girlfriend Emily, her mum Angie and latest of many boyfriends, Scott, and her uncle Daniel and his family. As the ‘blurb’ states, everyone is nursing a secret, and these will be revealed over the Christmas period.

Lottie is trying to achieve a perfect family Christmas, which isn’t easy when her ex boyfriend, Joe and a stray dog arrive on Christmas Eve, she forgets to defrost the turkey and a surprise present goes missing from the tree.

I loved this book, so many laugh out loud moments, especially with Jessica, Dave the dog and Duchess the cat. After a stressful day, this was just what I needed – a book to escape into, full of festive fun, a dysfunctional family, romance and disasters waiting to happen. Lottie is a wonderful main character with a heart of gold.
Profile Image for Carey.
640 reviews79 followers
September 19, 2020
A few weeks ago I started thinking ahead to Christmas. This year I might actually have both my kids home for Christmas and I want to make it special. I thought a Christmas novel might put me in the mood.
Then I found One Family Christmas. It did not disappoint! It gave me that home-spun Christmas feel that I wanted.

I honestly don’t think there are any characters in this book that I don’t like. They were all made into actual people in my opinion. The book grabbed my interest with the prologue and the baking scene with Lottie and Nana. I was only sorry to remember at that point that we wouldn’t have Nana with us for the whole book.

I loved the Christmas that Lottie (in her Nana’s memory) put together for the family! So many traditions followed. I love traditional Christmases! The English countryside setting was lovely as well. Oh how I’d like to spend a few weeks in the English countryside! There was plenty of action going on as well - both pre-planned events and spur of the moment.

If you like immersing yourself in Christmas tradition, hot chocolate, discussions over tea and coffee, and a few surprises, you should definitely pick this book up!

Thank you to NetGalley and and Avon Books UK for providing me with the book. Opinions expressed are my own.
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